According to the SportsBusiness Journal's John Ourand and Daniel Kaplan, Saturday night's Browns-Lions game earned the highest ratings ever for a preseason game broadcast on the NFL Network.

A reported 2.82 million viewers tuned in to see Johnny Manziel's Cleveland debut — nearly 40 percent more than the previous record of 2.07 million set by the 2007 Hall of Fame Game between the Saints and Steelers.

While Brian Hoyer started for the Browns, completing six-of-14 passing attempts (43 percent) for 92 yards, Manziel was the attraction. The No. 22 overall selection connected on seven of 11 passes (64 percent) for 63 yards in addition to rushing for another 27 yards on six carries during a 13-12 defeat in Detroit.

The Browns-Lions preseason game was the most-watched preseason game ever on NFL Network with 2.82 million viewers. #JohnnyFootball

Considering both Manziel's potential and audience appeal, it'll be interesting to see who will eventually be starting under center come Week 11, when Cleveland plays its only scheduled NFL Network game of the regular season against in-state AFC North rival Cincinnati.

Monday's game against the Redskins will be broadcast on ESPN. Given the preseason ratings bonanza the NFL Network enjoyed, don't expect Johnny Football coverage to subside.